GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
ARMY & NAVY BOXLOCK DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.ARMY NAVYSXS DBL RIFLE47028450 NITRO EXPRESSMODERN; C&RCal. 450 Nitro Express. 28" Chopper lump bbls are fitted with full length matted rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight with platinum lines marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards, and with raised front ramp holding silver bead and fitted with flip-over sight protector with pivoting locking detent. Tops of bbls are engraved "Army & Navy" and "C.S.L. London", and with caliber information, including cordite load and bullet type. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 70 grains cordite and 480 grain bullet. A wide sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, PHV-1 boxlock action (referred to in ledger as "club head") features automatic safety (SAFE in blue enamel in silver rectangle), bushed strikers, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with simple line borders and with "Army & Navy CSL" on each side. Top lever, floorplate, trigger plate, and trigger guard are blued, and have line border engraving. SN is on trigger guard tang which extends to steel grip cap. Nicely figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over solid "NOSHOC" pad over 15/16" lengthening piece. Stock features raised side panels, flat top point pattern checkering at grip, as well as a vacant silver oval, sling loop matching that on bbl, and rack or registration numbers, on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/8", drop at comb: approx 1-5/8". Cast: neutral. Weight: 10 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Old oak and leather case with shaped brass corners is lined in green cloth, and has paper Watson Brothers label in lid. Case contains 2-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod, "Army & Navy" marked rectangular oil bottle, round oil bottle, carrying sling, horn handled turnscrew marked "Army & Navy", horn handled striker key, rectangular oil bottle, celluloid container, pair of aluminum snap caps, two boxes of Kynoch 450 cartridges, and a key. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page with specifications for this gun, including "Coles" sight protector, and indicating that the rifle was made for L. Howe (?) Esquire with date of sale 5/2/09. CONDITION: Excellent, as nicely refinished. Bbls retain over 90% of an old re-black. Action retains nearly all of a well done re-color hardening over some light frosting. Frosting is also underneath new blue on trigger guard and floorplate. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil finish over some light marks and scratches, checkering somewhat worn. There is an old repaired vertical crack with traces visible on right side of grip, which does not flex. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Case leather is very dark, and has numerous rubs and scuffs. Newer straps are good. Old handle is a bit tired. Interior cloth is good, has been reinforced and spruced up a bit. Label is considerably foxed and soiled. Accessories are good. 50496-1 MGM213 (10,000-15,000)